Name of the Condition

• Trichiasis without entropion, unspecified eye, unspecified eyelid

Summary

• Trichiasis is a condition where eyelashes grow inward toward the eye, causing irritation but without the inward turning of the eyelid, known as entropion. It can affect any eyelid and cause discomfort or damage to the eye.

Causes

• This condition can occur due to chronic inflammation, infection, trauma, or be idiopathic (having no known cause). Some autoimmune conditions can also contribute to its development.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include aging, a history of eye infections or surgeries, inflammatory eye conditions like blepharitis, and trauma to the eye or eyelid.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include eye irritation, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, redness, watery eyes, and possible damage to the cornea over time.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed through a physical examination of the eye by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The healthcare provider may use slit-lamp examination to assess the position of the eyelashes and rule out entropion.

Treatment Options

• Treatments vary from mechanical removal of misdirected lashes, electrolysis, cryotherapy, or surgery to reposition or remove the eyelashes. These interventions help alleviate symptoms and protect the cornea from damage.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition is generally manageable with appropriate treatment. Regular follow-up visits with an eye care specialist are important to monitor for recurrence or complications.

Complications

• If left untreated, trichiasis can lead to chronic eye irritation, corneal abrasions, ulcers, and potentially vision loss due to scarring.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• While prevention is challenging, managing underlying conditions, like inflammation, can help reduce the risk. Protective eyewear may also help in certain environments.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical attention if experiencing persistent eye irritation, redness, discomfort, or visual changes, as these may indicate worsening of the condition or associated complications.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• National Eye Institute

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation specifying the absence of entropion and note the unspecified nature of both eye and eyelid involved.
• Avoid common errors such as confusing trichiasis with entropion or incorrectly specifying laterality when not documented.